US Olympic Trials Track Schedule: Breaking Down What to Watch on Day 1

The trials for the US Olympic track and field team get under way in earnest today with a full day of events, including two finals. It's make-or-break time for American athletes, who have spent the past four years preparing for this moment.

An opening ceremony will also take place today at 7 p.m. EST to officially kick off the 10-day trial period. By the time it's over, the London Olympics will be just 26 days away. The dream of reaching the marquee sporting event is becoming very real for many athletes right now.

Let's take a look at the complete schedule for Day 1 followed by a deeper look at the pair of finals.

Day 1 Schedule

Time (ET)

Gender

Event

Round

4 p.m.

Men

100 meters

Decathlon

4:50 p.m.

Men

Long jump

Decathlon

5:20 p.m.

Women

Discus

Qualifying

6:05 p.m.

Men

Shot put

Decathlon

6:10 p.m.

Men

400 meters

First Round

6:35 p.m.

Women

400 meters

First Round

7 p.m.

n/a

Opening Ceremony

n/a

7:30 p.m.

Men

High jump

Decathlon

8 p.m.

Women

800 meters

First Round

8:20 p.m.

Men

800 meters

First Round

8:30 p.m.

Women

Pole vault

Qualifying

8:40 p.m.

Women

100-meter hurdles

First Round

8:45 p.m.

Men

Long jump

Qualifying

9 p.m.

Women

100 meters

Qualifying

9:30 p.m.

Men

400 meters

Decathlon

9:45 p.m.

Men

10,000 meters

Finals

10:20 p.m.

Women

10,000 meters

Finals

What to Watch

Men's 10,000 meter Final

Galen Rupp set the American record in this event last fall and headlines a group of 24 runners hoping to earn a trip to London. Rupp's record time, which checked in at 26 minutes and 48 seconds, was still 30 seconds off the world-record pace.

Other contenders include Joseph Chirlee and Tim Nelson. The biggest name on the bubble would be Dathan Ritzenhein, who hasn't yet reached the Olympic standard. He needs a strong showing in today's race to make the team.

Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images

Women's 10,000 meter Final

Marathon runner Shalane Flanagan won't be running the 10,000 meters at the Olympics, but is using the event as part of her preparations for London and should set a pretty good pace for the other runners, who are hoping to reach the top standard.

Amy Hastings, Janet Cherobon-Bawcom and Lisa Uhl are the three favorites to make the team. They will be attempting to have a strong showing tonight with hopes of reaching their peak in a couple weeks when it matters most.